[Iwate Prefecture] Iwate Hiraizumi’s proud world heritage site “Motsuji Temple”

NEFT Editorial Department
2016.10.05
Last updated: 2023.07.24

table of contents

1 Tendai sect temple founded by Jikaku Daishi Ennin
2 The Oshu Fujiwara clan was revived for two generations.
3 After the fall of the Oshu Fujiwara clan, it received protection from the Kamakura shogunate and the Date clan.
4 Highlights of Motsuji Temple
- 4.1 INFORMATION

Located in Hiraizumi Town, Iwate PrefectureMotsuji Templeis a Tendai sect temple whose principal image is a standing statue of Yakushi Nyorai, founded in 850.Jikaku Daishi EnninIt is said that it was founded by.

It was also founded by Jikaku Daishi Ennin.Chusonji Temple in Hiraizumi、Risshakuji Temple in Yamagata Prefecture、Zuiganji Temple in Miyagi PrefectureAround “Shijikairo (four temple corridor)It is said to be one of the temples that make up the temple.

Link: Michinoku Ancient Temple Pilgrimage “Four Temple Corridors”

Tendai sect temple founded by Jikaku Daishi Ennin

Motsuji is a Tendai sect temple founded by Jikaku Daishi Ennin in 850, similar to Chusonji.“Motsu-ji Temple Precincts Attached Shrine Ruins” is a special national historic siteTo,"Motsuji Garden" is a special scenic spotis specified.

Motsuji Temple (main hall) — Motsuji main hall

In 2011"Hiraizumi - Architecture, gardens, and archaeological ruins representing Buddhist land (Pure Land)"Along with Chuson-ji Temple, Kanjizaio-in ruins, Muryoko-in ruins, and Mt. Kinkeisan,World heritage and intangible cultural heritageis registered in.

The Oshu Fujiwara clan was revived for two generations.

After its founding in 850, Motsuji Temple was destroyed by fire and fell into disrepair.

thatRebuilt and built by Motohira, the second generation of the Fujiwara clan.IncludingCompleted during the time of Hidehira the third generation., many temples were built.

At that time, there were about 40 halls and pagodas, about 500 Zenbo, and there was also a Kondo, Kodo, Jogyodo, Nikai Somon, bell tower, sutra storehouse, and other halls called Enryuji.At that time, it is said to have surpassed Chusonji in scale and splendor.

After the fall of the Oshu Fujiwara clan, it received protection from the Kamakura shogunate and the Date clan.

After the fall of the Oshu Fujiwara clan, it was protected by the Kamakura shogunate, but it suffered a fire again in 1226, and about 350 years later, in 1573, it also suffered a fire due to war, and for many years the foundation stone and foundation stone were destroyed. It seems that only .

after thatIn the Edo period, it became part of the Sendai domain.As a result, it came under the protection of the Date clan, just like Chuson-ji Temple.When Date Masamune passed away, the Shaka Triad, which was the principal image at the time, was transferred to Zuihoji, which was founded as Masamune's family temple.

Motsuji Temple (Sanmon) — Current Sanmon

In the Meiji period, the main hall and kuri were rebuilt, and in 1921, the Otemon gate of Ichinoseki Castle of the Date Ichinoseki domain was relocated as the main gate.

Currently, the new main hall built in the Heian style in 1989 and the mid-Edo period Jogyo-do hall are just being built, but the vast grounds include a spacious state beach and Oizumigaike Pond with a splendid stone structure. is spreading.

The principal image, Yakushi Nyorai, is accompanied by the attendants Nikko Bodhisattva and Moonlight Bodhisattva. At Jogyodo, The ``Ennen Mai'' is dedicated every year, and along with the regular samadhi ritual that has been performed continuously since the mountain was founded, it has been designated as a national important intangible folk cultural property.

Highlights of Motsuji Temple

The highlight of Motsuji Temple is the remains of a temple from the Heian period.Japan's oldest garden, Jodo GardenIt is located in

Motsuji Temple (Jodo Garden) — Pure Land Garden

As a result of comprehensive excavations conducted over five years starting in 1951, it was discovered that the Motsuji Garden is a Jodo-style garden that was created faithfully to the Heian period garden-building secret book ``Sakuteiki.'' . The Oizumi-ga-ike Pond and the iris that follow it were developed based on excavations, and now they are dressed in Heian costumes and singing waka poems on the banks of Yarimizu, which meanders gently and is created like a natural stream. A music festival is being held to compose songs.

There is a magatama-shaped island almost in the center of the wide pond, and there are three islands, one on the southeast coast of the pond and three on the south side. Cobblestones are laid around the gently curving pond and on the middle island, giving a coastal view to the water's edge.

At the tip of Dejima, a rugged island on the southeast coast, a stone over 2 meters high stands at an exquisite angle, creating an impressive landscape that accentuates the calm surface of the water. He also visited here in 1689. Matsuo Bashocommemorates Yoshitsune, who committed suicide in Takadate in 1189."After the summer grass and soldiers dream"A monument with this haiku is placed in the temple grounds.